The Benue National Assembly Caucus has criticised Governor Hycient Alia for rejecting peace initiatives put forward by President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve the ongoing crisis in the party in Benue State.
The internal strife within the Benue APC intensified, barely two months into Alia’s tenure as governor.
In the lead-up to the October 5 local government elections, the crisis took a new turn as the APC in Benue produced parallel chairmanship and councillorship candidates for each position.
This move, seen by analysts as a direct challenge to President Tinubu’s call for unity, has deepened the divide within the party.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Philip Agbese, spokesperson for the Benue National Assembly Caucus, expressed disappointment over Alia’s alleged disregard for the President’s peace envoy.
Agbese described the Governor’s actions as a significant setback.
“It’s a hindrance to the party’s progress for anyone, particularly the Governor, to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s peace efforts aimed at stabilizing the APC in Benue,” Agbese stated.
He added that the caucus was not surprised by Alia’s behavior, claiming that it is in the Governor’s character to show disrespect to prominent individuals.
“Fr Alia prefers secret dealings where he can make false claims and act as both the accuser and the judge. But when it’s time for accountability, he refuses to show up.”
Agbese further alleged that Alia is prioritizing personal interests over party unity, accusing him of attempting to destroy the APC in Benue for his own narrow agenda.
He also claimed that Alia is enlisting non-APC members in his ongoing dispute with Akume, which he said only serves to deepen the political crisis in the state.
Reflecting on Alia’s earlier political struggles, Agbese said, “After winning the election, it seems the forces Fr. Alia once claimed were against him have now become his allies.”
He called on party members in Benue to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the APC, emphasizing that the National Assembly members from the state are still united within the party, despite what he described as the Governor’s “provocative actions.”
“I assure you that all National Assembly members from Benue who won their elections in 2023 are still standing strong. Under the guidance of our North Central leader, Distinguished Senator George Akume, we will overcome these distractions and secure even greater victories in 2027,” Agbese added.
Benue APC crisis: Alia’s refusal to honour Tinubu’s peace efforts not surprising – NASS Caucus